Lindee Katdare's Journey

Spinning® has absolutely changed my life. I have always been a healthy person that moderately exercised. I considered my body type to be “pear” for years. I just thought that was the way I was built! Almost a year after the birth of my daughter, we went to Philadelphia for a weekend. I was absolutely appalled when I saw myself bouncing past the mirrored buildings. Could not believe that fat mom was me! I vowed to make a change the minute we returned to Virginia Beach. That is when I started “Spinning®”. I went to a spin certified “YMCA” and committed to the classes. I started in August and my goal was to be down 15 lbs by my daughter’s birthday on October 21st. I have always been a healthy eater, lots of fruits, veggies, no processed foods, etc. However, I had no idea how many calories I was eating or how many I should be for my frame. I started paying attention to what I ate and religiously attended my spin classes. By October 21st, I had lost 25lbs!! I was smaller than I had ever been and loved my new found sport. I was working as a pharmaceutical sales rep and had long days. I love spinning so much, I was getting up at 5:30 am to attend a 6 am class before work. I could not miss “Spinning®”.

That was four years ago. I have been an avid spin cycler for four years now. I have been wearing a size 0-2 for the last 4 years. I had another son 17 months ago and continued cycling throughout my pregnancy. I was back in my 0-2 size clothes 6 weeks after my c-section due to being fit throughout the pregnancy. My doctor said I was the ideal pregnancy patient. At this time, we were living in Acworth, GA. This YMCA did not take infants until they were 6 months old, but they did allow you to work out with them in “safe” zones. Fortunately for me, they had the spin bikes with the video workouts. Just like the DVD’s you sell online. Again, hooked. I loved that I did not have to coordinate with a babysitter, nursing schedule, full classes, etc. to take a class. I did the spin bikes with the videos the rest of my time in Georgia.

We are now in North Chicago, IL and I am still spinning. On March 22nd, I attended the “Spinning® Instructor Course” offered by Madd Dogg Athletics during the “Empower Fusion Expo.” My instructor, Raquel Rezara, was excellent. She managed to cover everything and answer every question. We discussed safety, music, heart rates, healthy lifestyles, etc. Then she physically showed us on the bike to insure our comfort and knowledge. She made sure we were confident and well informed, so we can teach our students and encourage them to continue spinning. When a class is taught properly, your students will want to come back for more. There is nothing like a good spinning class!

After my instructor course, I stayed for the “Ride to Kona” with Scott Schlesinger. It was incredible! I started the class feeling tired from the long training day. I filled my water bottle and reset my bike for the class. Slowly the room filled with a variety of spin enthusiasts. I looked around the room and saw a lady that I had met earlier that day. She had recently lost 125 lbs.-thanks to spinning! I saw several triathletes, some outdoor cyclists, instructors, and many others. Scott dimmed the lights and started the class. He had two huge screens set up with visions of Kona Island. He told us about the journey we were about to take alongside the renowned “Iron Man” competition. He skillfully put us into the mindset of a competitor. The music, the coaching, the visuals allowed my exhaustion from the day to be long gone and before I knew it, I was coming up to the finish line. I was drenched in sweat, draining my water bottle and feeling exhilarated. I looked around the room at this assortment of equally invigorated people and felt satisfied. I was proud of my hard work and how far I had come on my fitness journey. I also realized I was capable of so much more. Iron Man? Maybe in the future, but for now, I am going to focus on being a phenomenal “Spinning®” instructor. I will encourage, excite and drive people the way this sport has driven me. Thank you so much for an unbelievable day and for the fabulous “Spinning®” program. It is literally life changing!